A new ASTM standard provides an easy-to-perform test method for growing different strains of Clostridium difficile spores, which are used by microbiologists to evaluate antimicrobial drugs.

Spore crops grown using the test method (soon to be published as E3011, Test Method for in vitro Production of Clostridium Difficile Spores) will be used in laboratories to test the efficacy of drugs that fight C. difficile, a source of infectious intestinal diseases such as colitis.

Subcommittee E35.15 on Antimicrobial Agents invites all interested parties to participate in its standards developing activities.